Deja Vu! What more could we say? From a year ago, from a century ago. Well the cliche goes, history repeats itself. In the stories that matter, we have a word of caution, some parts of history are best never repeated. Some among us choose to keep the world away, for the same reasons that we are being forced to currently. But when an entire island of people go down this path, we have a recipe for an improbable place.
Trekking in the mountains if you ever wondered, with your stomach growling, if pine cones are any good, find a wonderful recipe for a pine cone syrup. Although the time needed to make some is perhaps contraindicated if you are starving. For most of us, the TV has been on mute as figures and breaking news flash on screen. Not long ago, this was not a choice. Reels transports you to this era of silent cinemas. We add a new section Kitabu, with a wonderful book recommendation.
For now, That’s All Folks.
Keep Safe Indoors,
Ashish
A deep dive into a story that's arcane, thoughtful, and sometimes humorous!
The story of humanity has been that of strife and success until now. Our ephemeral self in this beautiful world will always fuel this struggle. Nature itself is devoid of ethics, a canvas where life plays out. Once in an epoch, an event so magnified and tempestuous in its horror comes along that it seems like the apocalypse. But it never is.
Over a century ago, a pandemic that unfortunately bears the name of a beautiful country left unparalleled destruction in its wake.
The 2021 Oscars, perhaps?
The apogee among red carpets the world over, Oscars have held sway, movie buffs even from non-native English speakers. A master stroke of mesmerizing through marketing,
the Academy Awards popularly known as the Oscars have been around for 93 editions and yet have not lost their sheen one bit.
Every actor, whether or not they admit it, hunger to claim one if not many.
Green Humour for a Sustainable Planet.
The Black and White Classics only this time!
Joseph Frank Keaton (October 4, 1895 – February 1, 1966), with a screen name of Buster Keaton, was a prolific American actor, comedian, film director, producer, screenwriter, and stunt performer. Best known for his silent films showcasing signature physical comedy delivered stoically with a deadpan expression that earned him the nickname "The Great Stone Face". Critics wrote of Keaton's extraordinary period from 1920 to 1929 on a series of films that made him "the greatest actor-director in the history of the movies".
Our pick for Mr Buster would be Sherlock Jr. (1924), The General (1926), and The Cameraman (1928).
A duo came together from across the pond, Englishman Stan Laurel and American Oliver Hardy became famous as Laurel and Hardy. A long stint covering two decades from 1920s to 1940s saw Laurel and Hardy gain global popularity, with their signature slapstick comedy. Laurel played the clumsy, childlike friend to Hardy's pompous bully. Appearing as a team in 107 films, starring in 32 short silent films, 40 short sound films, and 23 full-length feature films, Laurel and Hardy are well, the Laurel and Hardy of Hollywood, unparalleled and entertaining to this day. The duo were able to successfully transition from the silent movies to the talkies.
Our picks for the duo are Should Married Men Go Home? (1928), The Second Hundred Years (1927) and Double Whoopee (1929). Post this period, the talkies made their presence. You are welcome to explore them at your leisure.
One of the most influential film comedians of the silent film era, Harold Lloyd made nearly 200 comedy films, both silent and "talkies", between 1914 and 1947. His bespectacled "Glasses" character was a resourceful, success-seeking go-getter who matched the zeitgeist of the 1920s-era United States. He was an American actor, comedian, and stunt performer who even lost a thumb to a mistaken prop that turned out to be a bomb! With 12 feature films to his credit, Lloyd was far more prolific than Chaplin himself. If you don’t believe us, follow the money, Lloyd made $15.7 million to Chaplin's $10.5 million in the 1920s.
Our picks for the Mr Glasses are Captain Kidd's Kids (1919), Get Out and Get Under (1920) and Safety Last! (1923).
The Sentinel Island
Is as improbable a place as could be. A squarish coral reef island about 60 sq km in area with white sandy beaches circumscribing the emerald green island could be the perfect tropical paradise, if one would be able to go there.
Prohibited by the law to approach the island closer than five nautical miles or 9.26 km.
A lot of history is contained within these dimly lit, joyous joints!
I am just simply repeating the words of a wise man, to reinforce it.
“That which does not kill us makes us stronger.” -Friedrich Nietzsche
Candied Pine Cones
When we think of pine cones, most of us are reminded of our skiing holidays or treks in the high mountains across the world, from Alps to Himalayas. We think of fragrant indoors, scented with aromatic pine cones. Any number of DIY projects come to mind. Gardens and pots to protect the soils from pets and pests. Card holders to bird feeders for the truly hands on folks.
We have selected a playlist to give you strength and get past this sad and difficult time.
Books you absolutely must read!
Tragedy on
Everest:
One
Survivor’s
Story – Lou
Kasischke
May 10th marked the 15th anniversary of the most tragic occurrence on Everest. Eight seasoned and expert climbers succumbed. The author Lou Kasisichke lived through the harrowing experience. With just 400 feet to the summit, Lou had to grapple not just with the climbing hurdles and the glorious fury of mother nature, but the internal emotional turmoil with the voices in head conflicting making every decision a Herculean task.
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